Where to start with this one? Well maybe I will begin with the singles. Get Messy produced two singles that came out beforehand. Now, singles are traditionally songs that artist put out before their album comes out to generate a buzz and get album sales. One of the up sides of being an indie artist is that they don't have to worry about the record execs picking crappy songs they didn't believe in. "Somebody To Die For" is the prefect way for someone to be introduced to Dean Ford. The song has his usual light rock influences that I fell in love with on his previous album, and it is a song that you can listen to just a small snippet and instantly know it's Dean. It's with this song who we get introduced to Renee Coolbrith (who appears on the album twice). She gets her own verse that creates a three dimensional view of the relationship described in the song.
"Get Messy" is a different story all together. I'm not sure where the song came from, but it is so far removed from the rest of the album, that I'm not sure how to take it. From it's 8-bit video game music to it's techno backing track and even the addition of rapper Spose, it is like nothing else heard on this release. Rene gets reduced to singing half of the song's hook, and Spose really didn't do much to help the song. It's a party track, but at least it doesn't sound dated like most of the people who still make songs about partying and drinking. It's not that I don't like the track, it's just so out of place with the collection of songs he chose for this work.
Now don't go thinking I'm hating. There are so many great songs here. The opener, "A Game You Play" totally sounds like a song written by Frankmusik, and that is one of the best compliments I can give someone. Dean has such amazing control over his falsetto, making for one hell of a pop-rock vocalist. It blows my mind that he hasn't been "discovered" because he's got the songs, the look, and obviously the voice to be a big hit. "A Game You Play" is a prime candidate for a follow-up single.
There's a lot of greatness yet still on the album. "Good Looks & Money" is one of the cuter songs that are offered up this time around. The song is a sort of bait-n-switch from what you'd expect. He talks about how you actually don't need good looks and money to make it. It's all about being yourself. Another really strong track on the album, "Heartbeat", is yet another example of marvelous song writing. The track weaves together a tale using a metaphor of dancing to music to a lady's heartbeat. The rap piece, Saiyid, really felt out place. It was as if he had no idea what the song was about and it really didn't add anything to the work as a whole.
Ending the album is the fun and different track "Just Tonight." With this song he experimented with Spanish influences in his guitar pieces, fuzing it with his airy vocals and electro-rock styles. What makes this song fit better than my previous slight beef with "Get Messy" is that the tone of the song, as well as what it's about mesh so well. Also it's placement as the end really fits, as he rest of the album (for the most part) is done in the same style, so the change really refreshes things and keeps the listener holding on for that last bit.
Get Messy is exactly what you've been waiting for if you've been following Dean Ford over the years. He took his time and crafted something really worthwhile. His electro-pop-rock mashup style has carried over and has gotten even better, despite that not even seeming possible. If you haven't heard of him yet, then this is the perfect time. He is an incredibly talented young man that needs all the fans he can get right now.
You can grab the album now on iTunes. Get it so we can make sure we have more Dean in the future.
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